The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Hafsat Abubakar, over the alleged creation and circulation of a fake document claiming that OPay Nigeria Limited was shutting down its operations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC in Abuja.
According to Iniedu, the arrest followed a petition filed by OPay Digital Services Limited on August 31, 2026, through the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.
The company had requested an urgent investigation, tracing and arrest of those responsible for producing and circulating the document, which was allegedly presented as an official communication from OPay.
Iniedu said the NCCC subsequently deployed digital forensic tools to analyse the document and trace its source.
He said the investigation linked the document to a post from the X handle, @haifah_er_abba, allegedly operated by Abubakar.
Police operatives arrested Abubakar on September 4, 2026.
Iniedu identified her as a 27-year-old graduate of Library and Information Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The police spokesman said the incident highlighted the dangers of digitally fabricated information, particularly when such content could cause public panic, financial disruption and reputational damage.
He urged Nigerians to verify sensitive information through official channels before sharing it, warning that those found culpable would face prosecution after the investigation.
The arrest followed a viral claim that OPay would shut down its operations from September 1, 2026.
OPay had earlier dismissed the claim, describing a document titled “Official Note” as completely false and assuring customers that its services remained fully operational.
The fake notice claimed that OPay would stop processing transactions and account services indefinitely from September 1.
The company also identified several inconsistencies in the document, including an outdated logo, a misspelt brand name and a format different from its official communications.
OPay’s Head of Corporate Communications, Folayemi Joshua, had described the notice as false, while the company’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, confirmed that OPay was working with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate its source.
The fintech company also warned that individuals deliberately spreading false information about its operations could face legal action.
The police said the investigation remains ongoing and that further updates would be provided as credible findings emerge.
